Oneta J. Cline

Oneta J. Cline, 93, of Bozeman, passed away March 12, 2009. Oneta was an unforgettable friend, sister, mother and grandmother. She had such a bright spirit that attracted people to her and created so many lasting memories. As her granddaughter, I am so blessed to have been able to spend ten year of my life with her in our home. Through the years many people commented how lucky my grandmother was to live here in Bozeman with my family, but truly, the pleasure was all ours. The most remarkable quality of my grandmother was her humor. Her ability to see humor in any situation gave her quite a reputation. She once had surgery on her face and the doctor sewed a cotton ball on the end of her nose to help with the healing. We had many hours of laughter from her post surgery appearance. During the recent presidential election she was prompted to name her cane #8220;John#8221; as in where is My-cane. Grandma, also known as Neetz, Nutta, Granny Sumo and Granita, was such a character and her sense of humor will live in our hearts forever. Oneta was born in Hugo, Oklahoma, May 24, 1915 to Nathan and Virginia (Trammell) Smith. She lived the early part of her life in California and graduated from Santa Rosa High School in 1932. She moved to Montana and lived in East Missoula with her husband Leonard Cline for 40 years. Oneta had two very special friends in her life, Louise Kolppa of East Missoula, MT and Bruna Soldate of Santa Rosa. CA. She cherished their friendships and also felt blessed to have so many friends in Bozeman. Oneta is survived by her daughter and son in law Linda and Skip Willmuth and granddaughter Emily Willmuth of Bozeman. California relatives include her sister Lucille Duerson, nieces Jane and Joan Duerson, son Richard Palmieri and Grandson Richie (Becky) Palmieri. Oneta was preceded in death by her husband Leonard Cline. Cremation has taken place and a celebration of her life will be held this summer. Condolences and memories may be shared with the family at www.dahlcares.com